5 Warning Signs That Your Commercial Roof Needs Fixing

The key to preventive commercial roof maintenance is two-fold: routine inspections and immediate repairs. Both need perfect timing, but the latter requires vigilance. Since problems can arise in between scheduled checkups, your building personnel need to be wary of certain red flags that could lead to surprise leakage.

As an expert roofing contractor, Timberline Roofing recommends looking for these signs of damage to tackle professional repairs accordingly:

Standing Water

It’s normal for a flat roof to have drainage issues, but there’s a redline you need to be particular about. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, ponding water that has been standing for over 48 hours is considered a grave cause for concern. Even if your system was designed to avert leakage under hydrostatic pressure, water will eventually win. The fact that a one-inch-deep pond can weigh 5.2 pounds per square foot is something to worry about.

Billowing

Take occasional trips to the rooftop to see whether your single-ply membranes billow. If they appear wavy, that means they don’t adhere to the substrate properly. Billowing merits urgent commercial roofing repair because the problem membranes are at risk of getting blown off.

Shrinkage

Single-ply membranes shrink as they age and lose their elasticity. The movement of the material puts tremendous pressure on the flashing, leading to tears or fastener failures. Seek professional repair service the moment you notice any evidence of shrinkage.

Abrasion

Regular foot traffic can puncture any single-ply membrane. Unless fixed, the break in the system serves as an entry point for water, and increases the chances of leakage.

Surface Erosion

The surface of built-up roofing and single-ply membrane systems can blister over time, proving loss of adhesion in affected areas due to trapped moisture. Although you shouldn’t panic upon discovery of minor blisters, keep an eye on them to catch expansion early. If you fail to address major blisters on time with partial residential roof installation, they might trigger premature total replacement.

Entrust your commercial roof maintenance needs to Timberline Roofing to stay ahead of surprise leaks. Call us at (612) 263-9700 or (507) 200-8880 now to schedule your consultation, and get a free estimate in Minneapolis, MN, or any neighboring area.